Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-09-15

given to other matters-morc prOsaic
things, Lady Umfreville. Till lately
the idea of matrimony never entered
my head
''Ah. then suppose You have begun
to think of it. Indeed, man of your
pOsition-of your wealthand influence.
owes this duty to society. OF course
YOU are entitled to look for birth and
beauty, and feel sure thAt any well
brought up. right-minded girl will APP
preciate your sterling qualities. l
have no son of my own. you know
with sigh). 'but l assure you. Mr..
Codd. feel quite maternal interest
in your welfare
This was rather more than neces-
sary. Mr.. Colds little eyes sparkled.
pray cease. Lady Umfreville. l am
not man to rate my own merits be-
meath their worth, but can not allow
you to speak IN these terms"
Il have thought, Mr.. Codd." contin-
ucd the unabashed Countess. ''that
your remarkable modesty might pre-
vent you from aspiring in direction
where your heart may be engaged. Let
me offer you encouragement. You re-
member the old adage faint heart
never won fair lady think l should
like cup of tea now, Mr.. Codd."
The stock broker's eyes were down.
cast as he conducted the lady to u
marquee. While she slipped her tea
she wondered audibly what had be-
come of Geraldine. Finally she sent
Mr.. Codd in quest of the rowing dam
sci. He presently found her issuing
from secluded shrubbery in compa-
ny of Rupert Paulet. He smiled at
his friend as he declared his mission to
Lady Geraldine.
That evening Rupert Paulet dined
tete-a-tete with Mr.. Codd. When the
servants left the room silence Tell
between the two men.
"Am to congratulate Won, old fell
low?" said Mr.. Gold, ut ias,.
My dear Codd. you are the best
hacker in the world. You may con-
graduate me; have won her. and it is
all owing to you. You have put the
only lucky chance have ever had in
my way. There'll be the deuce to pay
with her ladyship. of course, but when
she knows all there may be extenuat-
ing circumstances.
Mr.. Codd. getting up from his seat,
laid a hand on the younger mans
shoulder
Il was nearly falling in love with
her myself in the beginning, Paulet.
She 10 beautiful creature
$50 l thought-so l was afraid"
answered Rupert.
"But soon l saw how it was and it
wouldn't have been any good. l can't
think how she has bred so true. The
mother would sell her soul for money.
And that little Lady Margaret-she is
charming" (here Mr.. Codd sighed),
"an she is so tired of Lords and Mar
quises." Mr.. Codd. throwing back his
dC'tu, istuS-hCu P.oto'htiy'
"Shall | tell the Countess al about
it tomorrow? l have an appointment
with her in the morning."
elf you only would, my dear Codd.
You might break it gently. I'm in Il
mortal funk when l think Of facing
her."
On the morrow Mr.. Codd jumped
into hanson with q cheerful mien
and drove down to Prince s-gate.
Lady Umfreville was of course at
home and would receive Mr. Codd in
her boudoir. This solicited interview
surely BODIED some good news.
You are an early visitor" she said,
smiling, Il thought You We're always
in the city at eleven O'Clock"
Not always. Lady Umfreville. And
happily l have taken partner who
will relieve me of much responsible
ity."
''1ndeed-a very wise step. A ris-
ing young city man, suppose. If he
is friend of yours. you must bring
him here some day
mo, he Is not n city man, but for
all that he has useful business talents.
L: is Mr.. Paulet He is very reliable
young fellow. and l have every conf
dence in him" Lady Umfreville stared
at Mr.. Codd in undignitied amazement.
Rupert Paulct your partner! He
wrote to say he had communication
to make to me. Can it possibly be
this? What do his prospects signify to
me?'
"A great deal, fancy. l believe he
wishes to marry your daughter.
The lady turned pale. 1t was clear
from this that Mr.. Codd had no mat
rimonial intentions regarding Lady
Geraldine.
my daughter!'' she almost
screamed. that pennilcss man marry
my beautiful Geraldine? Never
''You forget that he has good pros
pects-that as my partner he is a long
way from penniless.
'.She has deceived mel am no
match tor her. said the Countess,